Asheville Travel Guide

A hipster haven with a gorgeous mountain backdrop, Asheville has a rich history (a luxe Vanderbilt estate is the top attraction) as well as plenty of au courant enticements. Its thriving microbrewery and locavore scene lures the cultured traveler, and even quirky cultural offerings such as the Friday-night drum circle downtown, a weekly institution. Add miles of panoramic vistas of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains—including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail—and Asheville travel offers a multi-sensory experience. Read on in this Asheville travel guide to start your own path here:

Things Not to Miss in Asheville

• Explore the Biltmore
• Hike a piece of the Appalachian Trail
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Enjoy some farm-to-table Southern cuisine
• Hear live music at local hot spot The Orange Peel

When to Go to Asheville

Asheville does not have any unpleasant seasons, but there are some factors for planning your trip. The peak time to visit Asheville tends to be summer, in terms of crowds. Many people would also say that the prime time for travel to Asheville is in the autumn, when the fall foliage explodes with color. (Another spike in crowds happens in October, so book early. Spring has pretty color, too and lower prices. Winters—which light up during the holiday season—are mild.